#scriptic

‘Seven years,’ he responds cautiously, confused both by the change of tone and the sudden use of his first name. Where is this leading?

When he speaks, it’s in a softer tone. ‘How long have you been working as a DCI, Michael?’

‘I’ve been hoping for an earlier retirement. Move out of the city, spend some time with the missus, the likes. There will be… some consideration about my replacement.’

‘... I see.’

Fowler sighs impatiently and leans forward. ‘Are you a detective? Deduce.’

‘Er, should I… recommend someone?’ Sutherland guesses. His mind feels woozy.

‘Sutherland,’ Fowler drawls as if he’s speaking to a child. ‘I’d like to put your candidature forward.’

This is so far removed from whatever he was expecting from this meeting that Sutherland just blinks, staring at Fowler like an idiot with his mouth agape.

“My… candidature? For a superintendent?’ he stammers once his mind catches up.

‘Yes, Michael, your candidature for a superintendent,’ Fowler repeats pityingly. ‘Look, I know our relationship could be better but I can appreciate you’re one of my best.’

‘Oh. Thank you, sir. I… appreciate it.’

‘So if I were you, I’d make sure you do better with this case.’ Fowler ignores his gratitude and goes back to an offensive; Sutherland feels like he’s coming back to life. Hostility is familiar territory. ‘I shouldn’t have to tell you that a superintendent has to be absolutely beyond any reproach.’

Oh, you fucking clown. Beyond reproach, my ass, coming from a guy who just bailed his nephew out of a suspension.

‘Is there anything at all I should know about, Mike?’

Yes. I am a predator in the workplace.

‘Not that I know of…’ He hates being called Mike. ‘... Will.’

The tight-lipped, lizard-like smile Fowler sends him out with makes him feel like he won that one; maybe winning a pissing contest with his boss isn’t the brand of success he should be striving for but he’ll take any win he gets on a day like this.